The Death and Rebirth of the Mississippi River with Sacred Water Shared Future | Unboxed, Ep. 03

In this episode of Unboxed: The SRF Podcast, host Nick Busse sits down with Cassie Champion (Metropolitan Council) and Abby Moore (Mississippi Watershed Management Organization) to discuss Sacred Water Shared Future. This regional campaign commemorates a century of restoration efforts on the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities. In 1926, the river was so polluted that a survey found only three living fish in a 42-mile stretch. Today, we explore the engineering marvels, public policy shifts, and community stories that transformed an "ecological disaster" back into a thriving resource. In this episode, we discuss: The harrowing state of the river in the 1920s and 30s. The construction of the Metro Water Resource Recovery Facility, the first treatment plant on the Mississippi. Modern challenges like microplastics, phosphorus, and chloride. How a bass drum auctioned by the band Semisonic helped kickstart the campaign’s branding. Learn more and share your story: Visit Sacred Water Shared Future to find local events or contribute to the Minnesota Story Collective. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review! About SRF Consulting Group: SRF is a leading consulting firm committed to improving the future of public and private infrastructure and transportation systems. Our comprehensive approach integrates planning, engineering, landscape architecture, and project delivery to provide innovative and sustainable solutions. Learn more at srfconsulting.com. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SRF Consulting Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a consultant-client relationship. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific project needs.